Integration monitor is a daily Latvian press digest on ethnic minority and society integration issues. The Monitor reviews the biggest Latvian dailies: Diena, Latvijas Avize, Neatkariga (in Latvian language), Vesti Segodnya (in Russian language). In specific cases other information sources are used. Latvian Centre for Human Rights is not responsible for information published by the media.

Press Review

Maris Grinbalts gives his opinion on the problem in his exclusive interview for NEATKARIGA CINA. He expresses his doubts about the actual term of operation of the Skrunde radar station. He says that according to American experts it would take Russia eight to twelve years to built a similar unit to replace the radar station in Skrunde. So he does not exclude that demands for the prolongation of the four-year term are possible in the future. He also mentions the approach of his fraction ("Tevzemei un Brivibai") to the citizenship issue. Both "T un B" and DNNL suggest that retired officers and members of their families should be issued with one year temporary residence permits while civil non-citizens should be issued with five-year temporary residence permits. Both types of permits might be prolonged. And finally there should be a group of residents constituted mainly by spouses of citizens that would be issued with permanent residence permits. Neatkariga, Cina

The "Saskana" fraction addressed an inquiry to the Minister of interior Mr.Krestovski regarding the open letter by the officials of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration. The Minister informed the MPs that the Ministry of interior is currently planning to institute criminal proceedings against certain executives of Vidzeme and Ziemele Offices of the Department. He also says that the Ministry had prepared suggestions on the improvement of the management of the Department. He also stressed the importance of the prompt adoption of the Law on Non-Citizens and Foreigners. He believes that such law should exclude the possibility of misinterpretation of such persons' status. SM Segodnya

Aleksandrs Kirsteins, the leader of the DNNL fraction, gives his opinion on the current situation in Latvia in his interview for "SM SEVODNYA". He objects against the latest proposition by the Russian party to grant permanent residents' status to all officers retired before the date of the signing of the agreement on troops' withdrawal. Still he believes that in case Russia cancels this condition the Saema will support the agreement. Mr.Kirstein emphasizes that the main objective for Latvia the Saema is to obtain Western assistance in the solution of social problems, improvement of defence, and maintaining law and order. In this connection he stresses that the Saema and the Government should agree to the CSCE recommendations regarding the Draft Citizenship Law to ensure that Latvia joins the European Union thus providing guarantees for preserving national independence. SM Segodnya

The Minister of Foreign affairs Mrs.af Uglas underlined that there is no basis for accusing Latvia of the violations of human rights. She also emphasized the importance of troops' withdrawal from the Baltics. Diena

The new head of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration is expected to be inaugurated next week. according to the Minister of Interior. He also added that the performance of the Department under the current vice-director is far from being satisfactory. He also mentioned the fact that his office currently spends up to 70% of its working time on the Department-associated complaints. He pointed out that the Department supports the DNNL political platform. He noted that the legislation in force does ensure any responsibility on the part of state officials. Diena

In his interview for the "Labyrinth" TV talk-show Mr.Zotov said that the ratification of any agreements on troops' withdrawal from Latvia was out of the question in case Latvia would continue insisting on the official acknowledgement of its occupation by the USSR. He also said that if Latvia supported the so-called Baladeour Plan "the consequences would be unpredictable". The plan envisages that the countries having arguments with the neighboring states should discuss their problems in conference. The Minister of European Affairs of France has confirmed during his visit to Latvia that the Plan had been approved of by Boris Yeltsin. The head of the Latvian Delegation to the talks Mr.Virsis believes that this may evidence the desire of the Russian party to delay the ratification of the agreement. Diena